"You live in London?" inquired Daniel, reading the other's look as
if affectionately.

"No. Out at Ewell--in Surrey."

"Oh yes, I know Ewell. Reading?"

"Yes for the Civil Service. I've come up to lunch with a man who
knows father--Mr. Jacks."

"John Jacks, the M.P.?"

Piers nodded nervously, and the other regarded him with a smile of
new interest.

"But you're very early. Any other engagements?"

"None," said Piers. It being so fine a morning, he had proposed a
long ramble about London streets before making for his destination
in the West End.

"Then you must come to my club," returned Daniel. "I shall be glad
of a talk with you, very glad, my dear boy. Why, it must be four
years since we saw each other. And, by the bye, you are just of age,
I think?"

"Three days ago."

"To be sure. Heard anything from father?--No?--You're looking
very well, Piers--take my arm. I understood you were going into